CNC plasma cutting machine is used for cutting metal of small thickness. The advantage of processing is the high accuracy of the elements and the absence of waste. Profitability is achieved due to the absence of the need to use a set of cutting tools.
Essence of processing
The CNC plasma cutting machine works quickly due to the use of the latest development - the processing process occurs without heating, unlike cutting with a gas system. The technology provides for the conveyor principle of the machine, cutting blanks up to 150 mm. The system of automatic control of the position of the arc provides accurate positioning, catches the appearance of the smallest backlash in the mechanics, helps to quickly carry out readjustment and make corrections to the process.
A classic CNC plasma cutting machine constantly monitors a lot of parameters:
- The composition of the mixture for the formation of an arc - directly affects the quality of the resulting contours.
- The position of the arc in the given coordinates.
- The temperature in the cutting zone.
- Workpiece offset from the zero position.
A modern CNC plasma cutting machine is equipped with sensitive security systems that limit the cutting area with laser sensors. When triggered, all systems turn off in a split second, preserving the health of an inexperienced operator.
Processing Details
To create a CNC plasma cutting machine with your own hands, it is important to understand the principle of creating an arc, and consider the capabilities of existing engines. After all, the movement of the working element should occur smoothly and evenly. Only then can we guarantee the absence of sagging along the edge of the cutting line.
In fact, the arc is obtained by generating a high-frequency current. It burns the metal to the base point. A weaker or more powerful discharge leads to marriage. Therefore, the cutting conditions must be constantly monitored. Along with this, the conditions next to the machine must meet the fire safety requirements.
The power of the source must exceed the calculated values at least 2 times. This approach allows you to leave a margin for changing modes when cutting low-quality workpieces.
Handmade
For mobile processing, a CNC-mini plasma cutting machine is on sale. Cut metal is obtained from a conventional 220V network. The workpiece can be a maximum of 200 mm. Voltage conversion is carried out by a portable transformer.
However, this type of processing has disadvantages:
- It is difficult to ensure smooth movement of the plasma; special nozzles have to be used.
- It is difficult to provide effective cooling at high amperage.
- Additional parameters are not taken into account: ambient temperature, humidity, rate of supply of combustible substances.
Is it possible to make similar equipment yourself
Self-production of a plasma cutter requires some skills in assembling complex equipment. The main structural elements are: nozzle, heating element, power source, compressor, switching equipment. The difficulty arises with the selection of a plasma cutter, through which combustible air masses are connected.
Insufficient design values for the diameter of the nozzle lead to marriage or insufficiently cut material. An inverter from any welding machine is used as a power source. The selection criterion is its maximum power.
Critical is the type of combustible substance selected material of the workpiece. Aluminum products use nitrogen or hydrogen. For copper alloys, only a hydrogen mixture is suitable. And brass is cut using combined nitrogen and hydrogen.
Equipment manufacturer
Consider a CNC plasma cutting machine of the IGNIS 3000k model. The equipment table can cut metals ranging in size from 1.5 meters to 3. It can process materials weighing 2.5 tons. Withstands normal operation at an ambient temperature of not more than 40 degrees and not less than 5.
Ignis 3000k has a 125 Amp power supply. It is enough to perfectly cut metals up to 48 mm thick. Plasma allows cutting with an accuracy of 5 microns. For uniform combustion, an air pressure of 7 bar is required.
A small machine shows itself positively in the processing of any type of metal. The cooling of the working area is carried out by air. The process is controlled by a modern automated CNC system.
Positive properties of the automated cutting process and design choice
There are cantilever and gantry CNC plasma cutting machines. In the design, the first type has one support, the latter has two. Accordingly, the second type is more reliable and accurate, but such models have a relatively high cost.
One bearing gradually wears out due to a skew load on the bearings during movement of the cutting element. Portal models have an easy move in the horizontal plane, the motor is positioned faster and the heating of the windings, respectively, is negligible.
In modern models, sensors for tracking the height of the burner are introduced, and the deflection of the material is also taken into account. Portal systems are more productive than console ones. Modern machines are equipped with heavy-duty beams for fastening the cutting element. Its sagging over the working area is excluded.
To increase productivity, equipment can be equipped with robots loading and unloading workpieces without human intervention. This will ensure the safety of technology and eliminate the human factor.